Everton 'close' to Pienaar return

David Moyes revealed he is "much closer" to bringing Steven Pienaar to Everton on a permanent basis.

Chairman Bill Kenwright has reportedly been locked in talks with Tottenham over a £5million transfer deal for the South Africa playmaker, who spent the second half of last season on loan back at Goodison Park.

After a 1-1 draw with Motherwell in Stevie Hammell's testimonial at Fir Park, where Well midfielder Nicky Law levelled a first-half header from Shane Duffy, Toffees boss Moyes said: "I think we are much closer to Pienaar and hopefully in time I will have something, but I don't quite have it yet."

Moyes was pleased to see former Rangers man Steven Naismith come on in the second-half to make his debut.

Naismith received provisional international clearance last night from FIFA which allowed him to play while arbitration over his move from Rangers continues. Moyes, however, was more concerned with the Scotland forward's knee injury.

He said: "It was pleasing to see Steven come on. I heard Friday night about six o'clock that he was cleared.

"We just have to make sure that his knee is right. He is coming on well. He is a month behind everyone else but hopefully he won't be too far away."